Tight steering on 1996 88 spl

[blacktip18]

I have a 18ft center console with a 1996 88hp SPL. Saltwater boat. Love the motor. Cranks right up and runs great. When I bought the boat (used) a couple years back the steering was tight (turning left and right). Seller informed me that the boys from the marina just put in a new steering cable. Fine by me, I figured maybe it would loosen up over time. Never did. Stopped at a mech to have him take a look and he chalked it up to corrosion. When the steering cable is disconnected it moves easily. The cable that is. We added a grease gun fitting to try and really pump it full grease. But still won't move easily. The only thing that seemed to help was putting a torch on it until glowing red. At that point the motor would turn L/R a little easier but still not to my liking. Of course once cooled down it would go back to tight. To have this repaired, I was told it would require disassembling a majority of the engine and pulling out the powerhead. Sounds $$$ to me. Is anybody familiar with this? Or do you agree with the process of the repair. I know in time I'm looking at a broken cable or trashed steering gears. So what do I do? Thanks for your 2c

 

[ob]

Re: Tight steering on 1996 88 spl

The problem may lie in the steering tube between the motor bracket that the steering cable runs through.Remove the cable and hone and clean the id of the tube.While the cable is disconnected you can see if the engine turns freely on its swivel bearings.

 

[angus63]

Re: Tight steering on 1996 88 spl

Welcome aboard<br />Are you certain you are greasing the steering pivot and not the tilt pivot? There is a friction adjustment on alot of models also you may be able to loosen. Take the zirc fitting out and force some wd40 in there and work it back and forth for a few days continually soaking it down. Wouldn't heat up the casing anymore (causes warping and cracking).

 

[angus63]

Re: Tight steering on 1996 88 spl

OB<br />When the steering cable is disconnected the cable moves freely. I think it's an engine pivot issue?

 

[ob]

Re: Tight steering on 1996 88 spl

The cable sheath will move freely when you just back off and disconnect the cable nut and turn the wheel.I've seen several people that mistook that for a non-cable issue.Will the cable rod remove easily from the tube when disconnected at both ends?If so,it may be that the swivel bearings on the motor bracket are tight.That would be caused from lack of greasing on a regular basis.Let's wait and see what blacktip18 has to say on his followup.Dry socket steering tubes are a common problem.

 

[blacktip18]

Re: Tight steering on 1996 88 spl

Yes, when the cable is disconnected it slides smooth. That was my first thought. That maybe there was to sharp of a bend in it. But no. The zirc fitting we added was on the hinge L/R and not on the trim up/down. When I pump it with a grease gun it oozes out from and top and bottom of the hinge. I also grease the steering rod in the front but doesn't seem to make any difference. I have not tried removing the rod, but in my opinion that's not where the problem seems to be. But I will give it a try nonetheless. What I will agree with is "the lack of greasing" by the previous owner. It is a saltwater boat. Meaning he kept it in the water on a saltwater canal. And I doubt he did much regular maintenance on it. But the price was right. <br /><br />"Being a boat owner only takes money not intelligence."

 

[Solittle]

Re: Tight steering on 1996 88 spl

You may have to follow your mechanics advice. Be sure to get the OMC shop & parts manual specific to your motor. There are no "steering gears" as in some cars. This is a job you can do if reasonable mechanically inclined and have the time. The manual is quite detailed and fairly easy to follow.